Race for agriculture commissoner shaping up

Rep. Brandon Creighton of Conroe, who heads the state House Republican Caucus, announced for Texas agriculture commissioner.

He described himself as a rancher, businessman and attorney and cited his legislative service and work for the attorneys general in Texas and Oklahoma. He also took a shot at the federal government.

“Texas farmers and ranchers have always faced challenges navigating government bureaucracy, but they have never before had to deal with the kind of overreaching federal government that we have in Washington today,” Creighton said. “Texas farmers and ranchers need someone who is focused on their priorities, someone who will stand up and fight to protect their rights and their way of life.”

Current Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples plans to challenger Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in the 2014 GOP primary. Eric Opiela, associate general counsel for the state Republican Party who also describes himself as a rancher and attorney, also is running in the GOP primary to replace Staples.

Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, R-Kerrville, meanwhile, said he will announce his plans on Aug. 20. He is expected to run for comptroller but didn’t announce that, although he did rule out running for ag commissioner.

The Hilderbran campaign tweet: “I’m not running for Ag Comm in 2014. I’ll have an important statewide announcement very soon. Texas’ future is bright!”